WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, October 26, 2018 to 0800 GMT, October 27, 2018.

Iran slams Netanyahu trip

Iran has criticized the visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Oman saying he seeks to divide Muslim countries. Foreign Ministry spokesman said the visit aims to cover up 70 years of occupation and killing of Palestinians by Israel. Bahram Ghassemi stressed that Islamic countries in the region should not bow to US pressure and give Israel leeway to create new regional problems. The spokesman added that the Donald Trump administration has increased pressure on Muslim countries to normalize diplomatic ties with Israel. On Friday, Netanyahu paid a rare visit to Oman. It followed a three-day visit by the Palestinian president to the Persian Gulf country. Israel claimed regional peace and stability were discussed in Oman.

Afghans pessimistic

A survey shows that Afghans are becoming unprecedentedly pessimistic as hopes fade for the future of the war-ravaged country. The study by Gallup says future life ratings in Afghanistan are at a record low with 52 percent of Afghans saying their living standard is getting worse. They rated their hopes for a good life in 5 years, 2.3 out of 10. That’s the lowest rate recorded in any country since 2006. Gallup says the survey reveals how devastating the negative cycle of poverty and violence has been to Afghans’ daily experiences. The US invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of its so-called war on terror. But the invasion has failed to restore security in the country plagued by militancy and terrorism.

UNICEF warning

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund says kids traveling with a caravan of Central American migrants to the US are in grave danger. Thousands of migrants, mostly from Honduras, reached the municipality of Arriaga in the Mexican state of Chiapas on Friday. They will head toward the Mexican state of Tabasco on Saturday to continue their journey to the US borders. The migrants are marching toward the US border despite threats by President Donald Trump that he will use the military to stop them. Defense Secretary, James Mattis has approved the deployment of hundreds of more troops to the border. There are already 2100 military personnel at the border.

Macron on Saudi sanctions

The French president says Europe should collectively impose sanctions on Saudi Arabia in response to the murder of Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi after all the facts are established. Emmanuel Macron said the background of the crime has to be clarified first so that the European response can be a unified one. The French president also brushed off pressure to stop arms sales to the kingdom. He noted the sales have nothing to do with Khashoggi’s murder and the two issues shouldn’t be mixed up. Macron added that Europe should discuss internally the future steps it has to take in response to the murder. Meanwhile, a senior Turkish official says the progress made in the probe is the result of President Rejep Tayyip Erdogan's personal efforts.

FBI warning

Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Christopher Wray, has warned that there could be more bomb packages in the US State of New York. The New York Police Department has called on people to maintain their vigilance. It also warned that more explosive packages may be on their way. The warnings come as police have arrested a man in the south of Florida in connection with pipe bombs sent to prominent Democrats and critics of US President Donald Trump. The man is identified as Cesar Sayoc. Officials say the 56-year-old suspect who is a registered Republican, has a criminal history. Trump has condemned the case as despicable.

Israel Gaza attacks

Israeli warplanes have carried out a series of airstrikes on the besieged Gaza Strip. Israeli jets pounded a number of areas including positions of Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas. Loud explosions were heard following the attacks. There has been no immediate report of casualties. Tel Aviv claimed the airstrikes were in response to rockets fired by Palestinians toward Israel. The Israeli military says the rockets were intercepted.

Turkey extradition demand

Turkey has prepared an extradition request for 18 suspects arrested by Saudi authorities over the murder of Khashoggi. Sources say the request was sent to the Turkish Foreign Ministry to be transferred to Saudi Arabia. President Erdogan has also called on Riyadh to disclose the location of Khashoggi’s body.

Fitch Brexit warning

Ratings agency Fitch has maintained Britain's long-time double-A debt rating but warned of risks related to a potentially difficult Brexit transition. The agency says growing political divisions within the UK over its divorce from the EU and the framework for future British-EU relations have impeded progress in the Brexit negotiations. Fitch says the political differences have increased the likelihood of a no deal Brexit, which the agency says would substantially disrupt customs, trade and economic activities. It says uncertainty around the Brexit process has affected economic growth prospects. Concerns are mounting that Britain will exit the European Union in March without a deal in place with Brussels, which would have a disastrous impact on the economy.

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